Glider Pilot Test Standards

Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards for Glider: The Commercial Pilot - Glider Practical Test Standards (PTS) book has been published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the standards for commercial pilot certification practical tests for the glider category. FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners shall conduct practical tests in compliance with these standards. Flight instructors and applicants should find these standards helpful during training and when preparing for practical tests. The following major enhancements were made to FAA-S-8081-23A. The reference section has been updated to current FAA publications in use. An abbreviation section has been added. The “plan of action” is more thoroughly explained to include the requirement to use scenarios. Practical test prerequisite requirements have been updated to current rules. The list of Special Emphasis Items has been updated. Unsatisfactory Performance has been clarified. The use of Letters of Discontinuance has been described. The requirement to evaluate the applicant’s Aeronautical Decision Making and Risk Management skills has been addressed. The need for testing in Single-Pilot Resource Management has been addressed and clarified. Reference to the metric system has been eliminated. The body of the PTS has been updated to include airworthiness requirements, self-launch systems, visual signals, runway CONTENTS INTRODUCTION: General Information Practical Test Standard Concept Practical Test Book Description Abbreviations Use of the Practical Test Standards Book Special Emphasis Areas Commercial Pilot - Glider Practical Test Prerequisites Aircraft and Equipment Required for the Practical Test Flight Instructors Responsibility Examiner Responsibility Satisfactory Performance Unsatisfactory Performance Letter of Discontinuance Aeronautical Decision Making and Risk Management Single-Pilot Resource Management Applicant’s Use of Checklists Use of Distractions during Practical Tests Positive Exchange of Flight Controls CHECKLISTS: Applicant’s Practical Test Checklist Examiner’s Practical Test Checklist ADDITIONAL RATING TASK TABLE AREAS OF OPERATION: I. PREFLIGHT PREPARATION A. Certificates and Documents B. Airworthiness Requirements C. Weather Information D. Operation of Systems E. Performance and Limitations F. Aeromedical Factors II. PREFLIGHT PROCEDURES A. Assembly B. Ground Handling C. Preflight Inspection D. Cockpit Management E. Visual Signals III..AIRPORT AND GLIDERPORT OPERATIONS A. Radio Communications and ATC Light Signals B. Traffic Patterns C. Airport, Runway, and Taxiway Signs, Markings, and Lighting IV. LAUNCHES AND LANDINGS AEROTOW A. Before Takeoff Check B. Normal and Crosswind Takeoff C. Maintaining Tow Positions D. Slack Line E. Boxing the Wake F. Tow Release G. Abnormal Occurrences GROUND TOW (AUTO OR WINCH) H. Before Takeoff Check I. Normal and Crosswind Takeoff J. Abnormal Occurrences SELF-LAUNCH K. Engine Starting L. Taxiing M. Before Takeoff Check. N. Normal and Crosswind Takeoff and Climb O. Engine Shutdown In Flight P. Abnormal Occurrences LANDINGS Q. Normal and Crosswind Landing R. Slips to Landing S. Downwind Landing V. PERFORMANCE AIRSPEEDS A. Minimum Sink Airspeed B. Speed-To-Fly VI. SOARING TECHNIQUES A. Thermal Soaring B. Ridge and Slope Soaring C. Wave Soaring VII. PERFORMANCE MANEUVERS A. Straight Glides B. Turns to Headings C. Steep Turns VIII. NAVIGATION A. Flight Preparation and Planning B. National Airspace System IX. SLOW FLIGHT AND STALLS A. Maneuvering at Minimum Control Airspeed B. Stall Recognition and Recovery X. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS A. Simulated Off-Airport Landing B. Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear XI. POSTFLIGHT PROCEDURES A. After-Landing and Securing